UPDATE, 2:40 P.M.: Some financing details from mayor’s office: UAE paid Fenty’s freight; Fenty picked up the tab for his family.

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What was Mayor Adrian M. Fenty up to during his mystery-shrouded UAE getaway last week?

Rare details come from a report from Mideast news site Al Bawaba, which appears to have reprinted a news release touting Fenty’s visit with His Excellency Rashid Mubarak Al Hajiri, chairman of the Department of Municipal Affairs for the emirate of Abu Dhabi:

During the private meeting, the Chairman and the Mayor discussed the UAE – USA bilateral relations alongside the scope of mutual cooperation in various areas and potentials for sharing of best practices and know-how.

H.E. Al Hajeri, emphasized the value and essential need to work consistently and efficiently as the regulatory and legislative body and how the Department’s activities influence the sustainable growth that is being witnessed in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Al Hajeri also stressed the importance of adopting the best international service standards and practices by the Municipalities of the Emirate so as to achieve the aim of becoming one of the world’s top five governments.

At the end of the meeting, the Chairman and the Mayor of Washington DC exchanged gifts, and agreed to work on fostering the bilateral relations between the Municipal systems in the two capitals.

Hmm—-“best international service standards and practices”? Sounds like Hizzoner found an Arabian soul mate. Wonder how H.E. feels about the “humanly possible.”

LL has inquired with mayoral communications for details on the gift exchange.